DENHAM SPRINGS — Robots will take over Denham Springs for the highly-anticipated DOW Red Stick Rumble, one of the largest robotics competition in the state.
Twenty-five student teams from across Louisiana and neighboring states will compete Saturday with custom-built robots in a thrilling competition of engineering and innovation.
This year’s competition will feature the game “Crescendo” and marks Dow’s 10th year as the title sponsor.
A Mock Competition with Real Impact
Karin Gill, the robotics coach at Brusly High School, says that the Red Stick Rumble is more than just a competition—it’s an essential part of the learning experience for her students.
“We refer to it as a mock competition, but it’s really the last chance for our students to compete with the robots they built earlier in the year before we disassemble them and prepare for the next season,” she explained.
Gill says that while robotics is often associated with building machines, students learn far more.
“Our students learn how to build a robot that can weigh up to 125 pounds, but they also learn soft skills—like project management, decision-making, and even how to write grants and fundraise,” she says.
Students & STEM
The success of these robotics programs wouldn’t be possible without community support, and DOW has played a significant role in making the Red Stick Rumble and other robotics events possible.
“When you come to competitions like this, you aren’t watching amazing robots built by professionals but by high school students—many who have spent hundreds of hours learning skills that many won’t encounter until they graduate college and enter the workforce. We’re training the next engineer, machinist, programmer, CEO. The sky is the limit for these amazing students,” said Daniel Eiland, Dow Red Stick Rumble Coordinator.
As a major sponsor of FIRST Robotics, a global nonprofit that fosters interest in STEM, DOW provides financial backing as well as mentors who work directly with teams.
“We have three mentors from DOW, two who help with the mechanical side and one on the business side,” Gill explains. “They help teach our students everything from writing a business plan to how to fundraise. The team is student-driven, and we’re just here to facilitate their growth.
A Life-Changing Experience
For Gill, the transformation she sees in her students through robotics is profound.
“I’ve had students who couldn’t speak to a judge without breaking down in tears. By the end of the season, they’re presenting to a room full of people like they’re giving a TED Talk,” she shares.
Whether they’re working on the robots, designing logos, or managing the team’s finances, Gill says that every student walks away with a sense of accomplishment and inspiration.
The 2024 DOW Red Stick Rumble will take place on Sept. 28 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Denham Springs High School’s Hornsby Gym (1000 N. Range Ave.). The event is free and open to the public
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